World Business Chicago (WBC) today announced it is recruiting software developers to participate in its first ever Logistics Hackathon on May 18. The Hackathon will connect the region’s transportation and logistics companies to its thriving tech community, in hopes of generating innovative tools to impact the transportation and logistics landscape and ease congestion in the area.

Participants will include students, technology focused industry professionals, startups and entrepreneurs. The Hackathon will provide unique networking opportunities and a chance to hear from innovative transportation leaders including Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commissioner Gabe Klein and Coyote Logistics CIO Bill Driegert. Additionally, the event will provide the opportunity to bring original ideas into one of Chicago’s greatest challenges – congestion.

Cash prizes, as well as the opportunity to present to executive leadership at Coyote Logistics and HERE, a Nokia business unit, \ will be offered for the leading ideas. Hackers will use data from Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the City of Chicago’s open data portal, Coyote Logistics and HERE.

“The Logistics Hackathon serves as an innovative economic development tool, linking two of our city’s greatest assets: a thriving industry and emerging talent,” said Rita Athas, president of World Business Chicago. “Chicago’s transportation and logistics companies are looking to hire developers and engineers. This project shines a light on those opportunities and connects talent coming out of our universities with those companies, creating a win-win situation.”

Continuing to grow its position as a leading transportation and logistics hub is a key strategy of Chicago’s Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs, a roadmap for WBC, developed at the request of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Chicago’s transportation and logistics industry accounts for $14 billion in GRP, with a projected growth rate of 3.4 percent. Chicago is the only city in the nation where six of the major North American railroads intersect. Roughly 25% of all domestic rail freight originates in, terminates at or passes through the region.

The Plan suggests that Chicago must prioritize reducing congestion and supporting the firms and industries that are poised to capture future innovations within the sector. By bringing together transportation and logistics industry leaders, and making connections between them and emerging talent, WBC is helping to create an environment where these companies can flourish.

The Logistics Hackathon will be held Saturday, May 18 from 8:30 am – 8:00 pm at 1871, the co-working center for digital startups located in Chicago’s famed Merchandise Mart. Sponsors include Coyote Logistics, DSC Logistics, HERE, a Nokia business unit, and Load Delivered Logistics. Partner organizations include 1871, CDOT, CMAP and the Supply and Value Chain Center of the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola. To register, or for more information visit www.LogisticsHack.com or follow #LogisticsHack on Twitter.